Sign-in & Login Problems

How to Fix OneDrive Desktop App Stuck Signing In for a Family Account

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where the OneDrive desktop application is stuck on the loading animation when a specific family member tries to sign in on their Windows account.

How to Fix OneDrive Desktop App Stuck Signing In for a Family Account

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Setting up or using a specific family member's Windows account to sync files via the OneDrive desktop app without installing the full Microsoft 365 suite.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive app remains stuck on the loading/signing-in animation for one specific account, while other accounts on the same computer function normally.

Before you start

Verify that the affected family member can successfully sign into OneDrive on the web browser. Also, ensure your Windows operating system and Microsoft Edge WebView components are fully up to date.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Desktop Application

Resetting OneDrive clears its local cache and can resolve account-specific authentication or loading issues without losing any files.

A damaged local OneDrive cache is one of the most common reasons the application gets stuck on the loading screen. Resetting it forces the app to refresh its connection.

Open the Run dialog

Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run window.

Execute the reset command

Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\OneDrive.exe /reset into the text box and click OK.

Wait for OneDrive to restart

Watch the system tray (bottom right of your screen). The OneDrive cloud icon will disappear and should reappear after a minute or two.

Start OneDrive manually if needed

If the icon does not reappear, open the Run dialog again, type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\OneDrive.exe, and press Enter to launch the app.

Data Safety: Resetting OneDrive will not delete any of your synced files or data. It only resets the application's configuration.

Solution 2

Review and Adjust Family Safety Restrictions

Family Safety settings might be unintentionally blocking Microsoft sign-in processes or storage permissions for the child account.

Solution 3

Test with a New Windows User Profile

A corrupted Windows user profile can cause the OneDrive app to hang during the sign-in process. Creating a new profile isolates this issue.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive work on the web but not on the desktop app?

This usually indicates an issue with the local OneDrive cache, a corrupted Windows user profile, or outdated Microsoft Edge WebView components on that specific computer, rather than an issue with the account itself.

Should I remove the child account from the Microsoft Family group to fix this?

No, you should not remove the child from the family group unless explicitly advised by Microsoft Support, as doing so can cause further account permission issues.

Will resetting the OneDrive desktop app delete my synced files?

No, resetting OneDrive using the Run dialog only clears the app's local settings and background cache. Your files remain safely in the cloud and on your local drive.

How do I know if Family Safety is blocking OneDrive?

If the app hangs during login but the web version works perfectly, a Family Safety web or app filter might be blocking the authentication servers. Checking the Family Safety dashboard for blocked apps or sites can confirm this.

Login & Account Issues